Mortal remains reach Mon; last rite today
Dimapur, August 29 (MExN): Condolences and tributes continued to pour in today for the late Noke Wangnao from various sections of society, honouring him as a visionary and dedicated leader, among other things.
A veteran Naga politician and serving as an Advisor to Social Welfare Nagaland, Wangnao passed away at the Christian Institute of Health Sciences and Research (CIHSR), Chümoukedima on August 28.
At 87 years old, he was oldest serving member of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA), and his political journey commenced in 1974 upon his election as a representative from the 43-Tapi Assembly Constituency (AC) under Mon District. He was re-elected eight times thereafter.
Late Wangnao was accorded a State Funeral at Kuda Village Dimapur on August 28 and his mortal remains reached his native district Mon on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, the last rite of late Wangnao is scheduled at Helipad, Mon town from 10AM.
Accordingly, the Deputy Commissioner in an order has directed all business establishments to remain closed 6am-5pm on August 30 as a mark of respect to the departed legislator.
Tovihoto Ayemi: Late Wangnao, popularly known as Baba Noke, was loved by his colleagues for distinct personality, straight forwardness and simplicity, stated H Tovihoto Ayemi , MLA & Advisor Department of Tribal Affair Nagaland.
Having achieved the feat of being elected to the NLA for a record nine times itself is a testimony of the resolute dedication Baba Noke had for the wellbeing of the people, he added.
The legacy he has left behind would inspire the Naga society for a long time to come, Ayemi maintained.
The NLA and the Naga people as a whole have lost a veteran and seasoned politician and the loss caused by his death is irrevocable, he added.
In this hour of sadness, I express my deepest condolences to his grieving family members and the people of his constituency, the Advisor condoled.
Kuzholuzo (Azo) Nienu): “It is tragic that one of the most senior parliamentarians, who were still doing his best to serve the people, has left for his heavenly abode,” Kuzholuzo (Azo) Nienu, MLA & Leader of NPF Legislature Party stated in a condolence message.
“I consider Late Uncle Noke to be a very honest politician who was dedicated to his people and the Naga people as a whole,” he said.
Azo, on his own behalf as well as the Naga People’s PF party offered sincere and deepest condolences to the bereaved family.
“I also ask God to give his loved ones peace and comfort. May the Almighty lift up the light of His countenance upon the departed soul rest in eternal peace,” added the message addressed Phamying Konyak, wife of late Wangnao.
NSF: TheNaga Students' Federation (NSF) paid tribute to late Wangnao as a visionary leader during whose lifetime of service had brought about many social changes for the common cause of the Konyak community in particular and the Naga people at large.
“At his demise, the Naga people have lost a tall leader and one who shall continue to occupy a special place in our hearts,” the Federation stated.
The NSF further conveyed its condolences to the bereaved family members, loved ones, friends and well-wishers at this difficult hour of grief and prayed that the Almighty God grant strength to bear with the irreparable loss. “We find solace in the belief that our leader now rests in eternal peace in heaven, it added.
Konyak Gazetted Officers' Union: Noke Wangnao was one of the staunchest regionalist Naga political leaders - a man of principle who believed in upholding the best for the Naga society, Konyak Gazetted Officers' Union (KGOU) stated in its tribute.
He was a leader who fearlessly spoke his mind, and followed what he spoke with resolute action, and that earned him the unwavering love and trust from his people, it said.
The KGOU further noted that late Wangnao outlasted the period of political turmoil and remained undeterred to provide strong and reliable leadership to the people of his constituency, his community and the Naga Society in general.
His death is an indescribable loss for our society, and we have loss a great leader and statesman whose role will be hard to emulate and replaced, it added.
Conveying its condolences to the bereaved family, the KGOU added: “We share their grief and pain during this hour of darkness, and we pray that the Almighty God will grant strength to overcome this sorrow with the comfort and assurance that he has left us for the Heavenly Abode after having fully accomplished his purpose on this earth."
Wanglem Konyak: Late Wangnao was a tall figure not just among the Konyak community but also within the Nagas and he was instrumental in many vital reforms both in Konyak areas as well as in Nagaland, former NPF Candidate, 43 A/C Tapi, Mon Wanglem Konyak noted in his tribute.
In his demise we have not only lost a leader but also an encyclopedia of Naga politics. A man of truth and integrity, he added.
I join the many in mourning a loss so great which will take eons to replace, Wanglem said, further extending his condolences to late Wangnao's wife Apham Wangnao and children. “May you find courage in the love of our Savior Jesus Christ in this hour of bereavement,” he added.
